Samsung Galaxy S26 review

Galaxy S26 is the value pick among the full flagships on this list while Samsung's sale lasts. Samsung.com listed the 256GB model at $849.99 against a regular price of $999.99 when we checked, and Samsung's March 2026 release gave a launch price of $899.99. For that you get a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at up to 2600 nits, the Exynos 2600 processor, 12GB of RAM and a triple camera with a 50MP wide, a 12MP ultra wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto. It weighs 167g and is 7.2mm thick, the lightest flagship here, with IP68 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides. Samsung adds Galaxy AI tools such as Photo Assist and Now Brief. The 4300 mAh battery is the smallest on this list, and Samsung's own pages list 30 to 31 hours of video playback. If the sale ends, Pixel 11 at $899 gives more zoom.

Who it is for

Android buyers who want a light flagship with a telephoto lens

Price

$849.99 for 256GB on Samsung.com at check (list $999.99; launch price $899.99).

Galaxy S26 was: $999.99 $849.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with up to 2600 nits peak brightness
• Exynos 2600 processor with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage
• 50MP wide, 12MP ultra wide and 10MP 3x telephoto cameras, up to 30x digital zoom
• 4300 mAh battery with fast wired charging to 55% in about 30 minutes
• IP68, Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest price of the four flagships on this list at Samsung's sale price of $849.99
• Strength: Lightest flagship here at 167g and 7.2mm thick
• Strength: 3x optical telephoto lens
• Weakness: 4300 mAh battery is the smallest on this list
• Weakness: Sale price may end; Samsung lists $999.99 as the regular price
• Weakness: Telephoto is 10MP, against 10.8MP 5x on Pixel 11

Key facts

• Price at check: $849.99 (256GB)
• Display: 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Processor: Exynos 2600
• Battery: 4300 mAh
• Weight: 167g

Where it ranks

Samsung Galaxy S26 is No. 3 in our Best Smartphones verdict.